What is Food Insecurity?

The USDA uses several definitions to describe people at risk of hunger. Some of the most frequently used are:

Food Insecurity With Hunger

Very Low Food Security: Reports of multiple indications of disrupted eating patterns and reduced food intake. People reported they ate less, skipped meals and sometimes went without food for entire days.

Food Insecurity Without Hunger

Low Food Security: Reports of reduced quality, variety, or desirability of diet. People reported they lacked consistent access to adequate amounts of nutritious foods. Many food insecure people cope by eating "filler foods," i.e., foods that fill the stomach but do not provide adequate nutrition for a healthy, active life.

Food Security

Marginal Food Security: One or two reported indications—typically of anxiety over food sufficiency or shortage of food in the house. Little or no indication of changes in diets or food intake.

High Food Security: No reported indications of food-access problems or limitations.